Balfour Beatty Secures £83 Million Contract to Deliver New Forres Academy in Scotland
Balfour Beatty has been awarded an £83 million contract by Hub North Scotland to construct the new Forres Academy in Moray, Scotland, on behalf of Moray Council. The project represents a major investment in the region’s educational infrastructure and reinforces Balfour Beatty’s strong track record in delivering high-quality learning environments across Scotland.
Under the terms of the contract, Balfour Beatty will be responsible for the design and construction of a modern 12,143-square-metre secondary school campus that will serve students and the wider community for decades to come. The development will replace the existing Forres Academy and provide a state-of-the-art educational facility designed to meet the evolving needs of future generations.
The new academy will accommodate up to 1,120 students and will include a range of modern facilities aimed at enhancing both academic and extracurricular experiences. Among the key features of the project are a new 3G artificial grass sports pitch, improved outdoor spaces, and a dedicated car park. These facilities will support a broad range of sporting, recreational, and community activities while contributing to a more engaging and inclusive learning environment.
The project will be delivered in accordance with the Scottish Government’s Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP) Phase 3 criteria, which focuses on creating high-quality, sustainable, and energy-efficient schools across Scotland. Through this initiative, educational facilities are designed not only to provide outstanding learning environments but also to support environmental objectives and community development goals.
Once completed, the new Forres Academy will offer students access to modern classrooms, advanced learning technologies, and flexible educational spaces that encourage collaboration, creativity, and innovation. The facility will be designed to support contemporary teaching methods while remaining adaptable to future educational requirements.
Sustainability will play a central role in the development of the new school. The building will incorporate energy-efficient technologies and environmentally responsible construction practices aimed at reducing operational costs and minimizing environmental impact. The focus on sustainability aligns with Scotland’s broader ambitions to create greener public infrastructure and reduce carbon emissions across the education sector.
The contract award further strengthens Balfour Beatty’s long-standing relationship with both Hub North Scotland and Moray Council. Over recent years, the company has successfully delivered several major education projects in the region, earning a reputation for quality, reliability, and collaborative project delivery.
Among Balfour Beatty’s notable achievements in Moray are the construction of Elgin High School, Lossiemouth High School, and Linkwood Primary School. These projects have helped transform educational facilities across the area and demonstrate the company’s extensive experience in delivering complex school developments that meet the needs of students, educators, and local communities.
Nick Rowan, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s Scottish business, highlighted the significance of the latest contract award and the company’s commitment to delivering another high-quality educational facility.
He noted that Balfour Beatty is proud to continue its long-standing partnership with Hub North Scotland and Moray Council through the delivery of the new Forres Academy. Rowan emphasized that the company’s extensive experience in constructing educational facilities across Scotland positions it well to create a modern and sustainable learning environment that will provide lasting benefits for students and the wider community.
The project is expected to generate significant economic and social benefits throughout the construction phase. In addition to creating employment opportunities on-site, the development will support local supply chains and provide opportunities for apprenticeships, training programs, and skills development initiatives.
Richard Park, Chief Executive of Hub North Scotland, described the project as a major milestone for the Forres community. He highlighted the successful collaboration between Hub North Scotland, Balfour Beatty, and Moray Council on previous school developments and expressed confidence that the new academy would continue that record of achievement.
According to Park, the new facility will deliver far more than a modern educational building. The project will also leave a meaningful legacy through employment opportunities, workforce training initiatives, and community engagement programs. These benefits are expected to have a positive impact beyond the school itself, helping to strengthen the local economy and support long-term community development.
The construction of the new academy comes at a time when many local authorities across Scotland are investing in modernizing educational infrastructure to ensure schools are equipped to meet changing educational demands. New facilities are increasingly being designed as community assets that can support a variety of activities beyond traditional classroom learning.
Forres Academy is expected to become an important community hub, offering flexible spaces that can be utilized for events, sports, and other activities outside regular school hours. This approach maximizes the value of public investment while creating stronger connections between schools and the communities they serve.
As work progresses, close collaboration between Balfour Beatty, Hub North Scotland, Moray Council, and other project stakeholders will be essential to ensuring successful delivery. The project team will focus on maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and sustainability throughout construction while minimizing disruption to students and local residents.
With construction set to move forward, the new Forres Academy represents a significant step forward for education in Moray. By combining innovative design, sustainable construction practices, and modern learning environments, the development will provide a future-ready facility capable of supporting generations of students.
The £83 million investment underscores the commitment of Moray Council, Hub North Scotland, and Balfour Beatty to delivering world-class educational infrastructure. Once completed, the new academy will stand as a landmark facility that enhances learning opportunities, strengthens community connections, and contributes to the long-term growth and prosperity of the region.
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